I’m Arsenal’s Future- Star Man Reveals What Wenger Told Him

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Arsenal goalie Emiliano Martinez has expressed his delight to have Arsene Wenger’s support at the Emirates Stadium.

Martinez who recently extended his contract at Arsenal in November has revealed he had offers to leave the North London but decided to stay after a few encouraging words from Wenger.

The Argentine joined Arsenal as a teenager and, after a series of loan spells most recently with Championship side Wolves last season where he kept five clean sheets in 15 appearances before injuring his thigh.

Martinez told Goal: “It’s amazing that Arsene Wenger, one of the best coaches in the world, believes I’m the future of Arsenal.

“Just as amazing as having my contract renewed for six more years at the club.

“Wenger is very well-respected. He’s not only the head coach here, he also built Arsenal. He helped buy the stadium.

“Everybody calls him ‘boss’, from the kit manager to the owner of the club. He seems distant, but he’s always available to talk. It’s impressive.

“Cech is a great goalkeeper, he has a lot of stories, he’s in the top 10 in the world. We get along, he also says I’m the future of the club.

“Also Ospina, he’s such a professional! He’s a great guy and friend. I usually have dinner at his house, and I learn a lot from him.

“It’s an honour that the coach gives me the possibility to be the goalkeeper in a tournament [the EFL Cup], when he has those two.”

“Why would I play anywhere else when I’m a goalkeeper at Arsenal? What’s more, having Wenger say that I’m the future [means a lot].

“I may leave when I’m older. I was offered to go to other teams in England and Spain, but Arsenal wouldn’t let me go. They want me here and I want to stay.”

The 24-year-old, who is behind Petr Cech and David Ospina in the pecking order at the Emirates Stadium, has started all three EFL games for us this season.